Recreational boater guide through the Locks
Navigating your way through the Army Corp of Engineer Locks enroute to Pittsburgh is a fun past-time that many recreational boaters enjoy. Thinking about making the trip? Here are some insights to help you plan your journey.
First, be sure to check to make sure the Locks you are planning to travel are open to recreation watercraft for the dates and times of your trip. The Army Corp of Engineers has planned repairs and there are times the Locks are not operational because of unplanned issues. This is due to the age of the Locks and their repair needs. The good news is that Federal funds have been allocated to make these repairs. Just make sure that the Locks you intent to pass through are operational for your journey. For the purposes of this article, we are going to explore the Montgomery, Dashield and Emsworth Locks navigating upstream on the Ohio River to Pittsburgh.
Powerboating on the Ohio River and seeing Pittsburgh’s skyline and Point Park in the distance is appealing site. The convergence of the Ohio, Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers makes for a one-of-a-kind view of this grand city by water. To get there you have options of where you want to launch your boat. For a 4+ hour trip, you may want to launch in East Liverpool, Ohio. This option takes you through all three Locks. From our experience in 2023, the river is less appealing now in this section (but we love the marinas in East Liverpool and the people!). For a shorter trip that includes two Locks, you may want to put-in in Bridgewater, PA. Let’s say you choose to launch in East Liverpool, PA: you may want to launch at East Liverpool Yacht Club. The run from East Liverpool to the Montgomery Lock has an array of mostly industrial buildings on its waterfront. The Ohio River there is has less recreational traffic than upstream. A mile out from the Montgomery Lock you will want to go to Channel 13 “Montgomery Locks this is and we request Lock passage upstream.” You can also call the Lockmaster on your cell phone. Each passenger must have a life-jacket for your vessel to pass through the lock. You will also need a 75 foot rope. The Lockmaster will come back to you with instructions on how he wants you to proceed. Put your fenders out as needed. When you hear 2 prolonged blasts (and the gates of the chamber are open) its time for you to enter. The Lockmaster will lower a hook to grab your rope. As the chamber doors close and all is ready, the water in the chamber will begin to rise. An important note: you are not ready to exit the chamber until you here two prolonged blasts of the horn by the Lockmaster telling you it is safe to exit the Lock.